innaepark
the musings of a reporter in upstate NYGood-Bye and Good Luck, on Repeat
There are many perks to this business. Every day is different. You get to meet new people who tell you stories you couldn’t have even dreamt up. Once in awhile, people tell you they recognize you and/or they tell you that you’re doing a wonderful job (this actually doesn’t happen as often as you’d think).
However, one of the downsides… is the frequency of these words:
Good-bye!
Good luck!
In life, we all have our shares of farewells. For some reason, professional good-byes seem to cut more deeply in the news biz than in other ones.
Reasons why they happen so frequently:
- Contracts end every few years
- Poor ratings mean less revenue, which could mean cut positions
- It’s a grueling line of work, and people leave the field
- And IF you believe the saying, TV news is a dying business
Now factors as to why these departures are felt so strongly:
- The stress often creates stronger bonds
- New gigs usually are far away. At least 2 hours, because it’s in a different DMA from you
- The unusual work hours mean you are the only people who have the most random days off
Case in point: 5 people who watched a movie at 3:30 PM on a Wednesday. Movie Club is born.
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I write this post because in just the past month, a few dear friends have moved on to wonderful new jobs, but those jobs have taken them further away from me.
Tee Lee!
Terrence Lee is now the morning MMJ in Cleveland, Ohio, after being the primetime anchor for WMDT in Salisbury, Md. for years.
Lainey 
Elaina Athans hit the ground running as a new reporter in Raleigh, N.C. after spearheading the Hudson Valley newsroom for YNN.
A true Troylet
Casey McNulty just landed an incredible role as a producer in Boston. The offer came just over two weeks ago, and she leaves tomorrow.
While I have so much joy for these friends/former colleagues, it is hard to know that our friendships will have to remain long-distance. At the same time, I can’t bemoan their success and their future endeavors.
Guess that means I’ll have to make my way to the Buckeye State or plan a night out at the Raleigh Times. I’ve already scoped out some places in Boston, Casey!
Obsessed with speakeasies. This one’s called Backbar.
Congratulations! I am so proud of you all.
Reminders of Love
“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” – Colossians 3:3
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
“If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.” – Matthew 18:12-13
It’s okay to cry
It’s the third night in a row I’ve come home to process my day with a glass of wine (oh, cursed calories that soothe me so) and my trusty laptop.
So here we go.
Over the past two days, I’ve come close to crying for two strangers. I didn’t. For the record, I would call myself an emotional person; I don’t think “stoic” has ever been used to describe me. Even so, I’ve learned to turn off the tears in public situations. At least, most of the time.
But tonight, a victim who was seriously wounded in Saturday’s crash braved the public and his own pain of losing the girl he loved… to honor her and his friend.
I fought to keep my hands still and my breathing to a minimum as I held the camera. Once photographers were finally called to head back to the media box, my lungs filled with air and my eyes with tears.
[I am thankful to my friend Erin, who held me to her side as I wept... and then brought myself back to a calm state.]
And the rest of the night, I was tear-free.
Sometimes it must be bottled up, other times it will sneak out before you can stop and grab it back. As a journalist, am I able to just let myself go? For whatever reason, extreme emotion seems taboo.
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This weekend I had the privilege of listening to Ira Glass in person.* Glass is the host of NPR’s “This American Life,” a phenomenal show I recommend (obviously, by the adjective). In his talk in Troy, he expressed gratefulness that he was a journalist on the radio because it allowed him to show and articulate certain emotions in a way that broadcast journalists couldn’t. He gave the specific instances of humor and surprise.
I envy that.
I love to laugh, and if you listen to many interviews I conduct, funny comments will elicit a hearty “ha, ha!” from me. I just can’t help myself! Do those guffaws get included in the final story for air? Rarely.
Tears too, are out of the question. Broadcast journalists are expected to empathize, but not exaggerate. To be caring, yet composed. To sympathize in moderation. Restraint is the rule.
Today, I broke it.** And I don’t care.
Tell me again, why can’t we share?
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*More posts to come on his words.
**So did my colleague.
Good Tweetings
I start with a quick apology. I planned for this next post to be about the inundation of difficult news stories when working at a 24-hour statewide cable network (wow, I made that sound really boring), but a little blue bird network got in the way ^_^
For good reason.
I actually own a shirt with a strong resemblance to the Twitter bird. Here’s to you, Larry!
I thank Twitter tonight for lifting so many hearts that were downcast by many incidents of tragedy. In addition to the fatal Northway crash, a Mechanicville Marine was killed in combat in Afghanistan this weekend. I actually learned of his death last night, after spending a whole day fighting to address the deaths of Chris Stewart and Deanna Rivers in a respectful and honorable fashion. I couldn’t write about it though because it wasn’t confirmed. Anyway, all this… left me with little to keep going.
Then: tonight happened.
You’ve likely seen updates as to what has happened, but here’s the brief story:
Matt Hardy is a football player at Shenendehowa High School. His girlfriend Deanna Rivers was one of the two killed in a crash involving alcohol Saturday night. Hardy is recovering from his serious injuries. As a way of giving him joy, his friends began a campaign to get #TebowCallMatt to trend nationwide on Twitter… and then, of course, have Mr. Tim Tebow call the teenager.
With thousands in support, the topic was seen on the far left menu column within minutes.
Soon after, the New York Jets’ QB dialed.
#TebowCalledMatt
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There are so many lessons to be taken away from this story.
1. Tim Tebow is a good man.
2. The friends and family and anyone who tweeted #TebowCallMatt (and the sequential #MissyCallBailey and #DaleyCallBailey) are wonderful people.
3. That means there are a TON of amazing people out there.
4. Twitter is powerful
5. There is always hope.
6. _______________________ (your takeaway)
And the list goes on.
We fight very hard to understand the incomprehensible in life, and sometimes it is futile. In those times, may we keep seeking messages and displays of hope.
Just like these tweeters did.
#ThankYou518
The news you don’t want to report, but have to
This post may seem extremely obvious. As plain-as-the nose-on-your-face obvious. Nonetheless, writing this out is helping me heal from today.
News is a double-edged sword as a career. There are its shining moments, where you are able to shed light on criminal activity and corruption or highlight the beauty of a human soul. Then there are the destructive stories, where you challenge humanity, fairness and many other life questions that don’t always have pleasant answers.
Today was one of the latter.
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Chris Stewart and Deanna Rivers
If you haven’t heard already, two seniors at Shenendehowa High School were killed in a fatal car crash last night (Saturday). Their two significant others, also young students at local schools, were seriously injured. The man who police believe to be responsible is expected to face charges: two counts of vehicular manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide. More of YNN’s coverage here.
In any crucial news story like this, I’m constantly prowling for information, discussing what other resources we can tap into, poring over Facebook profiles and Twitter to find tidbits about the subject of a story.
If it sounds somewhat stalker-like, well… it is.
A news station’s goal is to be able to provide as many intimate details of a person so that ALL can understand who he/she is.
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These efforts aren’t automatic and mechanical, though. At least, they weren’t today. Personally, they were punctuated by moments of heartache, seconds of quick prayer, a hard swallow to stop tears from forming in my eyes.
As jaded as I have become – and will continue to be – I can’t forget pain. Who is really able to?
It’s a battle to be able to put emotions aside for a few minutes to dig into the facts of a story, and then return to the emotional numbness for just a few snatches of time before you get back to your work. It is our duty to get the facts out there.
All this… is part of my job.
… quite the challenge, the journalism profession.
Also, all this was further perpetuated by MORE BAD NEWS. That’s to come in the next post.
Change: A Choice
It’s been quite the year.
In the many moments of contemplation, reflection and assessment, a small thought came to mind that I thought I’d share. It followed the discovery of this bumper sticker:
Now I’m going to pull a switcheroo
I say: “Struggle is inevitable. Change is an option.“
Undeniably, change is a part of life. I think that’s what the creator of the original slogan had in mind. There’s no way to predict the valleys or mountains that suddenly appear on the horizon or even right on your doorstep. As humans, most of us bristle at the unexpectedness we have to wade our way through. Change is not easy. So we struggle.
Remember, I said, ‘we.’ I struggle with mental, emotional, physical battles on a day-to-day basis. And I have no doubt that there will be more struggles with every flip of the calendar.
Amid all that, there is a choice. Many, in fact. Those decisions range from “Will I continue to struggle?” to “What can I avoid to make this easier?” The most important question though:
“What am I to learn from this?”
We can choose to change. We can choose to not make the same mistake again that leads to such suffering. We can choose to turn the other cheek. We can choose to fight harder. We can choose to not allow others to struggle like us. In doing so, we can make the choice to change for the better.
A lot of options. They’re yours to select. I’m still working through my choice now.
The First Time I Took Pictures of Food
You know who they are. You may even be one. They’re the person sitting at the table next to you, blinding you with their flash (if they’re fairly new at this) or exclamining, “Don’t take a bite yet! I need a picture!”
I have adamantly refused to be a phood photographer (food fotographer?) despite the many restaurants I’ve patronized. For me, the memory of a meal is powerful enough that I don’t need to hold onto the image. Nor do I ever go back and look at pictures of plates. Food porn? Nope, not aroused.
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This week, I broke my self-promise.
In two days, I had two of the best meals I’ve had in the Capital Region. Each made up of multiple courses. Each with carefully chosen wine pairings (or beer, if your tummy wanted hops). Each wowing me with the rich flavors and the delicate notes.
(Here’s where some of you might get a little too excited, in my humble opinion):
1st course: delightfulness I still dream about
The rest of the 5 farm-to-table courses
Braised short rib atop celery puree. Fried leeks crown the course.
Yes. I took photos. Gahh!
The first meal was a collaboration between Creo and All Over Albany. We heard from local farms in my inaugural farm-to-table dinner. I could go on and on about the food, but just check out the menu here.
Hearing from Creo’s owner & chef and local farmers
Then I attended my first ever dinner party at a new friend’s new home. The Culinary Institute of America graduate took my breath away with her elegance, thoughtfulness and creativity in this event. Truly an event.
A gorgeous place setting. Told you it was legit.
Party of Twelve (not Five)
The lovely hostess serving her selected wine
I couldn’t help but be unfaithful to myself during these meals. Somehow - before the first course was even served - my camera was in one hand, my iPhone in the other.
But I wasn’t snapping shots because I had never eaten food like this before.
The plates were unique. The bites, blissful. The gastronomic value, sky-high. However, here’s why I adored these two meals so dearly.
New foodie co-adventurer
Fussylittleblog + me + friend Evan
Hostess with the most-est <3
It’s the people who made these plates worth saving. The love and passion in each dish, the careful planning of all the courses, the fascinating conversation over the cuisine: these are the snapshots of the night that I don’t want to lose.
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Now it’s time to put away my camera.
At least, until the next dinner party.
A Week of Firsts
It’s been quite the week of new adventures and experiences. I:
1. ran in my first 5K, Color Me Rad
yes… the one resembling Shrek is me.
2. participated in my first trivia night (GO TEAM! … We didn’t win)
3. golfed my first 9 holes since having some sense of knowing what I was doing
4. branched into more epicurean efforts
My very own french press! = success
Steamed mussels = not as successful
5. tasted more of the delightful food that the Capital Region has to offer, including Rock Hill Bakehouse in Glens Falls and the Flying Chicken in Troy*
All worthwhile times to be had. I learned, I trained, I cherished, I ate.
However, I did the majority of these activities without companions. Let me clarify: I obviously played golf with a partner, ran with a team and guessed at random questions with my co-workers, but beforehand, I prepared solo.
Feeling bad for me? That’s okay. There were times where I threw a pity party for myself too (yes, alone again). There were other inaugural experiences that weren’t so pleasant (having my car battery die on me, driving almost 2 hours to a balloon launch where the balloons didn’t launch, etc.).
However, this is also a part of my Week of Firsts. I partook in a number of moments I didn’t expect to partake in, and I was able to accomplish them on my own. I’ve often relied on others to give me the encouragement and inspiration to venture into the unknown. But all this week, I foraged ahead by my own footsteps.
So here’s to more adventures! Join me, and we can plan together.
Or… find me on the way. I’m going to keep moving.
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*You need to go to these places:
GO NOW.
those three little words
… that pack a big punch.
I’m going to stray away from my random newsgathering-related rambles and tackle one of the most written-about subjects of all time.
yup. you got it.
To be honest, I’m not planning on questioning its significance or how one recovers from heartbreak or any of its deeper profound moments. I just wanted to write an entry as an ode to those three words that can make or break our lives.
Today I learned that a friend heard those words from a man she cares about this past weekend, and for the first time, no less! I yelped in excitement, I giggled, and even ran over to give her a hug. She was, in her words, “on Cloud 9.”
I’ve gone through my share of pain due to love, but when I saw someone who stepped into that place of being deeply and openly cherished for the first time, my heart leapt in mutual joy.
To know love, to live love, and to give it is one of the greatest parts of our lives on earth. Call me a sap, but even if I’m not the one all aflutter, I can’t help but celebrate its vibrancy in those around me. Love is an action. Love is a decision. Love is purposeful. The list goes on.
To wrap up:
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” – John 15:9
and to those of you who know me well:
I love you.
The compromise of a deadline
Last week I had the assignment of covering two debates prior to Primary Day, which is Thursday, September 13.
Reminder: GO OUT AND VOTE!
However, debates are not very easy to cover. Here’s why:
1. If the candidates do their job, there is a LOT of information
2. As a reporter, I have to pick and choose which issues to address
3. There isn’t much time to do so
4. It still has to be a cohesive story a viewer will want to watch
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Unfortunately, the first night I didn’t make my 11 p.m. deadline. I was crushed. It still ran as the top story in our hyperlocal news block because of other political coverage that ran late, but that doesn’t excuse my failing.
So what happened? After racking my brain, I believe it truly came down to wanting to put together the best piece for the audience (Here it is). If you weren’t at the debate, well, by hook or by crook, NOW you’ve got what you need to know on the screen in front of you. In making this my goal, I got caught up in wording and sequencing and most importantly, fairness… and the production just went too long. I didn’t finish on time.
Angry at myself, I went on to the next night’s debate, determined to have my package in before 11.
Though proud I had met my goal, I realized there was a sacrifice made. As I was writing, editing, regurgitating, I kept telling myself, “It’s not going to be perfect, but just get it done.”
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Therein lies something deeper.
As a journalist, meeting your deadline can often become the highest priority. The news needs to be released IMMEDIATELY.
If only newsrooms were like http://www.savagechickens.com (yes, check it out)
But in the process, are we losing quality?
I know that I did. Before I went to bed that night, I admitted to myself there was a better way I could’ve wrapped up that debate recap. The ending I used? Not horrible. Was it fluid? Could’ve been smoother.
It makes you wonder just how much good storytelling we lose because of the need to be first/prompt/within a certain time frame. Because we definitely do.
In the end, it comes down to whether you value the immediacy or the quality of the information. News… is news.
Too Much Snooki?
A colleage of mine posted this on Facebook: “If you worked at a station that makes… sure to do a story about Snooki having her baby, would you be ashamed?”
A solid, solid question, as I ended up being the “lucky” anchor who read the story.
For those of you who are wise enough to not know who Snooki is
I think more than my opinion, I’m interested in yours. However, I’ll share mine to get the ball rolling.
As much as we hate to think that personal developments in the lives of reality TV stars deserve airtime, they will get it. What has Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi done to be on news outlets? Nothing on the level of politicians, heroes, leaders, entrepreneurs, learners, teachers and others. Yet TV stations (and other media outlets) cover her life because she’s wormed her way into ours. Her obsessions, quirks, outspoken words and sometimes complete ignorance have horrified and captivated us to the point where any action of hers demands our attention.
As a journalist, I hate that her child’s birth gets coverage. As a subscriber to bad TV? I yelped when I heard she went into labor.
Managers who decide not to address Snooki’s son in their newscasts should be lauded and admired. However, I guarantee the majority will choose to make mention because they will receive the ratings and the attention from the general public. Not to mention… they were probably just as fascinated.
Do we blame the media? It certainly is an easy out. But before we shake our heads at the networks, let’s take a look at ourselves.
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I’m the first one to say I need to change my interests before I judge that of others.
One last look (for now)
By the end of this month, YNN.com will become enhanced for Time Warner Cable subscribers. To clarify: those of you who are not TWC customers will only have access to the print version of our news stories… and not video.
Here’s the warning on our websites
This means those of you who follow me and live miles and miles away from an area serviced by TWC will no longer be able to see video clips 
As a result, here’s a final barrage of clips that you can check out now, while they’re still accessible.*
Anchoring
Paraplegic dog recovers, is adopted
Coast Guard rescue on Lake Ontario
Reporting
Community replaces stolen bikes
Local Sikh temple responds to shooting
Local businessman killed, area responds
New licensing law has bar owners up in arms
A rally against the Cabaret Law
Post Time at Saratoga: Going Off Broadway (special)
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As always, thanks for watching! For your enjoyment, the following photo.
Who doesn’t love pie? Especially 3 kinds of it?
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*I am working hard to try to get an online customer plan so that people who are unable to have TWC can still access YNN.com . It’s apparently in the works, but may not be for awhile. Double frowning-face
The ‘About-Face’
It’s been just three days since a dozen people were killed and 58 people injured in the movie theater massacre in Aurora, CO. That same day, NY State Police charged two teenagers in Montgomery County with the murder of two other teenagers.
You know what else? It was also Opening Day for the 144th season at the Saratoga Race Course.
I didn’t work that Friday, but I was constantly refreshing Twitter, checking my YNN emails, and I was proud of how my station covered these events. As much as the track is an important part of our region, our news team knew that such pain needed to take precedence. At the same time, they chose not to ignore the lighter stories.
…
I call it the ‘about-face.’ As an anchor, you want to be solemn when speaking of the details of grievous moments. But two minutes later, you could be seeing a story about a county fair.
(Note: To be fair, there usually is a wider gap between such content. Props to good producers)
While this back-and-forth is difficult to adapt to, we can’t deny that all sorts of news can happen at any and all times. Yes, there are points where you deliberately back off the fluff. But refusal to accept the more palatable stories isn’t realistic either, seeing that a balance of both sides is reflected in human life.
…
In one week, one of my closest friends will be getting married. I’ll be standing inches away from her as she commits to be faithful to the man she loves, and guaranteed, my heart will be overflowing with joy.
Yet a few days ago, this same dear friend’s grandmother was hospitalized. In her words: “Barring miracles, she won’t last too long.” Tears were streaming. How does one deal with a deeply rooted grief when a long-anticipated celebration is on the horizon? Do you have to choose?
I wish I had the answer to help her cope. I don’t. What I do know is that you can’t cold-shoulder one or the other. The two impacting moments are part of her, and my life. As they unfold, we will do our best to address them.
We’ll do an about-face. But we’ll turn around, over and over, as often as we have to. At some point, the spins will blur.
if you’ve got a lot of time
Here are at least a dozen more clips of some of my work out in the field or stories I’ve anchored at the desk.
reporting
More arrests expected in Troy shootings
Jurors continue deliberations in Vanderhorst trial
Electric car charging stations considered
anchoring
11 arrested en route to Mountain Jam
Father’s Day parade honors fallen officer
Teenage runaway allegedly prostituted
Deputy remembered 10 years later
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*did something a bit different with the ‘do! See below.
Feedback is welcome.
The benefits of being uprooted
You’d be surprised how often this thought comes to mind:
“I can’t believe I’m here.”
I never dreamed that I would live in a place where all-you-can-eat blue crabs were at my disposal. I would’ve laughed at you if you told me I’d ride 100 miles through Delmarva’s countryside… partially because I would have no idea where Delmarva was. I couldn’t even imagine that I’d find myself ringside at a boxing match or in a press box at a horse racing track. Yet all these things have come into fruition because of this career o’ mine.
Not that I’ve found my feet in dozens of locations. Really, it’s only been two regions. Nonetheless, I’ve been able to set my sights on cities, waters, events and lifestyles I didn’t know existed.
So cheers to exploring! Cheers to new friends who will show me familiar places. Cheers to old friends who are willing to venture out to wherever I am and discover alongside me. More importantly, cheers to all the food I’ve been able to consume. My tummy is quite the willing traveler.
some photos from just this week…
Swimming @ Grafton Lakes State Park
Open Mic @ the Daily Grind in Troy
Sipping @ the Epicurean in Latham
The Collar City’s farmers’ market
Anticipating the opening of No. 12 Second St, Troy
^_^
Four Years In
This week, I hit four years as an on-air journalist. I’ve been at YNN for one year, then three at WMDT-47 in Salisbury. It’s not a very long career to look back on. Even so, I still marvel at the fact that yes, I am living my dream. Each step of the way here, I haven’t been alone.
In the past few weeks, I’ve been able to spend time with some of the people dearest to my heart. I’ve known these cherished friends for years, some, decades. Being with them, sharing my worries and fears, exulting in accomplishments – I have been, am being, and will always be fulfilled.
So this post is for you.
daily reminders
Your love and faith have gotten me to where I am today. These cards that I have on my desk at work are just two tiny reminders of the people who push me to keep believing and set the standard of what “success” really is.
Thank you, and thank God.
infinite in Three,
innae
P.S. There is another image on my desk…
haha how can you NOT love this panda?
(kudos to CMacofTroy who brought this meme into my life)
Want to see my work?
Here’s another post where you can check out some of my recent anchoring and reporting clips, since YouTube only has outdated stuff. Be patient… there are TONS of ads before each clip.
Thanks to ALL of you who have always supported me and believed in me.
Right v. Wrong…I mean, Left. Wait, what?
I say ‘media.’ You say, __________.
Really, go ahead and fill in the blank.
Being a member of the media, I have found that more often than not, I am chalked up to be a liberal left-wing lover.
The media?
Then you learn I attend church. I wear a cross necklace. Immediately I am on the right, the perfect candidate to diversify Fox News.
The media… again?
Ironically, that confusion is a clear indicator to me that I was meant to be in the field of journalism.
Here’s my admission: Each time I find myself face-to-face with an issue that divides our country and our homes, conflict settles in my mind too. I embark on my journalistic journey to hear from one side. Behold, their words make sense! I then inteview an opposing party… and their pieces fall into place. By the end of my research, I’m not quite sure which way I lean.
Back to square one.
Some journalists take a position as they approach a story (hint: they won’t admit it, but they do). Personally, I try to understand as much as possible before making a call. Even then, it’s my goal to ensure others hear both sides. Of course, while I’m telling them, uncertainty often arises again.
Deep down, I know I have opinions. It’s taken years to develop them and confirm they align with what I believe is the Truth. I’m thankful to the wise thinkers who have given me insight. There are still many controversial topics that I haven’t let myself touch yet, but I will get there once I have heard near everything.
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I will say this: there are some decisions that I will likely forego. At least, forego taking an outward stance.
Because… is it that important to have an opinion on everything? Why cause discord when an open ear can heal?
hello!
I don’t deserve a greeting back, considering I have been gone for so long. However, I will begin to the conversation up again soon, so feel free to chime in!
Sept-Oct. news clips
This is likely going to seem egoistic, but I wanted to have a place to post my anchoring and reporting clips at YNN for those who aren’t in our coverage area. I’ve often been told by friends that they’ve watched me on YouTube… but that content is dated, so here’s the latest!
So please, enjoy And honestly, any feedback would be welcome, always looking to improve.
Anchoring
President Obama tours Irene damage in NJ
Child seriously injured in hit-and-run
As Vain as a Weathervane
This post was inspired by someone – who doesn’t know me very well - calling me “vain.”
I immediately denied it.
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And then I realized… maybe this acquaintance knows me better than I think.
I used to be a young woman who relished the fact that she didn’t feel pressure to wear make-up. So she did not. She may have put it on for fun, or if she was going to some fancy restaurant, or attempting to look her age, since otherwise, she looked 5 years younger and without a bachelor’s degree.
unplucked eyebrows and a stuffed turtle can make one look very juvenile
Ahh, a carefree life.
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Fast-forward to today. At least five days a week, I apply layers of paint to my face, eyes and lips. I blow dry my hair (my hair is already straight) and then take a straightening iron to it (my hair is already straight). All to either trot up to the anchor desk or head out to report on a story.
You may be thinking, ‘Well, that’s what professional women do. Big deal. I apply lip gloss when I head to work as well.” A legitimate point.
However, two weeks ago I volunteered to help clean up a local museum that suffered much damage from Tropical Storm Irene. At 8 a.m., as I stumbled to throw on something that could get muddied and dirtied… a ray of clarity shone into my sleep-deprived mind.
I needed make-up.
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Being a public figure has its perks. At this point in my life, I get recognized once in a blue moon (though I do believe wearing YNN gear around town has increased those odds). But what lowers my chances is the fact that I don’t wear make-up out in public. I’ve been told I look completely different on air when I’m seen in person. And I’m not so sure that’s a compliment when people say that to my clean, make-up-less face.
So the carefree nature I used to have when it came to my appearance… is a faint memory of the past. I feel a need to maintain the person I am inside that box in your living room… wherever I may meet you otherwise.
oh. hello there.
To some extent, I am resigned to being mirror-obsessed, image-conscious person. As you can guess, this does wonders for my self-esteem. But even while I may not be the fairest person of them all, I can at least say I’ve learned how to put that hated make-up on properly. And those days where I can hide the make-up bag from myself? Completely blissful.
Did you know they had an app for this? Sheesh.
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Since you are the public, you certainly should have an opinion. Feel free to answer!
“3-2-1… Cue”
I have a sneaking suspicion that I may have gone live on YNN more over the past three weeks… than I will in the next few months, or even in the next year. Such is the nature of hyperlocal cable TV… we just don’t go live all the time. It’s not practical, considering that we must have content 24 hours a day.
But these past 21 days have been a blur of live love. The love of going live.
You may be confused. Didn’t this aspiring journalist anchor live shows at her previous gig? What’s so addictive about going live now?
Here’s what I’ve done in the past three weeks:
1. Anchor Travers Day coverage: one live segment at the top of each hour, which includes spontaneous talkbacks between the anchor in studio, the sports director and reporter live at the track, and an interview with whichever guest happened to show up on time. Approx. 9 minutes total, all about a topic I am not familiar with, but thoroughly researched. However, don’t ask me what pari-mutuel means.
The track is not complete without hats.
2. Wall-to-wall coverage of Hurricane Irene: six hours straight of anchoring from the desk with colleague Steve Ference, as we discussed what residents needed to know, spoke with reporters who were live out in the storm and/or flooding, interviewed local officials about the conditions of their jurisdictions and broke in with any immediate updates we received via email, our producers, and of course, Twitter.
The aftermath of my live anchoring. I'm an avid post-it user.
3. The New York State Fair: anchored two live shows, each on average, 15 minutes long. I was bummed that it was raining, but hey, at least there was a stuffed dog that accompanied me on our set.
The Great NY State Fair + "Chips"
4. Breaking news cut-ins for Southern Tier flooding: twice an hour, breaking in for 3-5 minutes at a time, with the latest facts on the flooding that residents would want to know. Many of the segments I researched and produced on my own.
Make-up, post-its, notes, mess galore
All of this unscripted. No teleprompter. And therein lies the thrill.
Speaking without a script is frighteningly exhilarating. When you don’t know what your next complete thought is going to be. When you aren’t sure that you’ll have enough content to fill the time. When you are trying to control the “um”s, the “ah”s and your trembling hands. Frightening and exhilarating.
People have asked, “How do you come up with enough to say to fill that time?” I do research in advance, jot down thoughts on post-its, get inspired by another person’s remarks… and repeat. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Hey, it’s cable TV, viewers expect repetition Sometimes you don’t even know what is about to come out of your mouth. You just hope it’s something that sounds semi-intellectual. Thank goodness I’m not in the habit of swearing! It’s that risk, knowing the pressure is all on you… that gets my heart racing and my adrenaline pumping. To be honest, I’m even surprised by my positive response to this. I’ve never been categorized as the adventurous risk-taker; in fact, I tend to be methodical and careful in life. Maybe this is one way for me to exhibit my inner daredevil.
Then again, I WAS part of my high school’s improvisation team (What?! Yes, I’m as taken aback as you are).
Looking back on these past weeks, there were moments I failed miserably in clearly communicating information and news. There were also times when I succeeded in delivering the content with confidence and sympathy. With so many opportunities, I’ve had to stagger a few steps back, but then move forward with strong strides.
Now to have more paths to keep walking on.
(Not that I’m asking for more natural disaster stories. 2011 has seen enough.).
Story loyalty
To begin, I apologize. I’ve had this post saved for weeks, and I just haven’t fleshed it out. It consists of 3 thoughts in their very initial stages:
- chuck – come to fruition
* belonging
- bradley — wanting to see trial until the end.
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Cryptic, right? Doesn’t that leave you wanting more?
Now to explain.
There are certain types of stories that reporters love to tell. It varies, depending on who you are. I’m not going to tell you what my favorite type is because I’m just like that. I don’t really have favorites. Moving on.
Despite the draw towards crime or fluff, if a reporter starts a story that’s fairly significant… he/she wants to see it to the end. I believe in what I call story loyalty (\ˈstȯr-ē ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē\) – a bond and faithfulness to an event, person or newsworthy item and the commitment to see it through to its fruition and/or conclusion.
Now back to the 3 fragmented thoughts.
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Chuck Campbell has become a friend of mine after I first began covering his battle against COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) a few years ago. I wasn’t the first and only person at WMDT to cover his story, but as the years went on, more of my colleagues left, and I was one of 3 original reporters who had met with Chuck to hear his determination to buy a new pair of lungs. By 2011, he and his friends and supporters had raised the $1M needed and a few months in, he received a double lung transplant. As soon as I heard – I felt my heart leap. THIS was why we had been following his endeavor for years.
Throughout the weeks of recovery that followed, I kept in touch with Chuck through phone and Facebook. When he finally, finally came back home, I was off the clock… in fact, he was getting back to his house in Milford, Del., at a time I was normally getting ready for bed. But even though I wasn’t the one who would ultimately turn the story for our 6 p.m. newscast, I drove the hour there and back… and was the only non-family and non-media welcomer for Chuck. It was a privilege.
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Essentially, there are times where you belong to a story. You don’t own it. It owns you. In fact, after the work day is done, you’re still lingering on how you could’ve written it better, what else you want to know and if you can follow up tomorrow. If you’re lucky, there’s a way to keep the story going. If you’re unlucky, it keeps going for years. But it won’t let you rest until you’ve done it justice.
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The last fragmented thought was of the Dr. Earl Bradley case. I was one of the first reporters to hear of the crimes the Lewes pediatrician committed. I was the first to read the counts and charges that were brought against him. I attended the announcement of the 100+ victims he had abused. It all made me sick.
Bradley was arrested in December 2009. He was brought before a judge in June 2011. By then, I was gone. Even in the months leading up to it, my heart ached to cover his trial… but I knew I wouldn’t because I was (1) the morning anchor and (2) planning on leaving. It sounds almost disturbing, even to me, to write this, but I yearned to be a part of our coverage. Yes, yearned.
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In the end, I let it go, and I will keep cutting the ties. News is a business, after all. You can’t take it home with you all the time.
But therein I realized what story loyalty was all about.
News vs. Justice
Being surrounded by legal minds, it’s always interesting to take a step back and analyze the relationship between attorneys and the media. From our perspective, the defense attorneys are often hard to get ahold of, distant and sometimes, just crazy for defending who they do. Prosecutors are the “good guys,” because they’ll often speak to us and give us the allegations and updates we want.
But having spoken to one particular aspiring J.D., I’ve realized just how much the news SHAPES justice. This is why:
1. We love to have a “bad guy.”
Even in the first graf, I used the term “good guy.” Sheesh. Now, the media are supposed to be unbiased, and in political stories, we certainly aim to be. But when it comes to crime, I’ve found the more shocking, the better. The more heinous the crime, the higher it goes in the newscast. So on and so forth. Thus, when we receive a press release from police, the “bad guy” radar comes on, and I know that I for one, will look to emphasize the most jaw-dropping point in the case when I’m telling the story.
Then we balance it by using the word “allegedly.” We don’t want to convict the person, obviously. DUH. Which leads to point #2.
2. “Allegedly” does not equate innocence
Technically, it does. If you write that someone allegedly smashed a storefront window, then it’s fair. But how many of us have learned to tune out that word? You aren’t listening to the word “alleged.” You’re listening to “smashed.” As a result, in your mind, you’ve already come to believe this person did it. Done. Over.
3. People watch the news. That means jurors may watch the news.
While those who are called to jury duty aren’t allowed to be keep up with the press’ coverage of the case… oftentimes, they do. I believe it’s because it’s fascinating to see the media all over something that you are involved in. It almost makes you feel famous. At least, I think that’s how I would feel. I haven’t been on jury duty yet… but that may have just jinxed me.
Anyway, an example. Another aspiring J.D. I know is working on a case, and as soon as I found out the attorney-to-be was going to be assisting the attorney-that-is DURING THE ACTUAL TRIAL, I went online and researched the case.
These are a few of my thoughts. I recently read an article that referred to an “alleged rape victim” as “the accuser.” It certainly takes the whole meaning away from “victim,” doesn’t it? I think I’m 100% guilty of sensationalizing news stories to get someone’s attention, even if that may imply a suspect is guilty.
Then again, is this part of the job?
In which case, it’s not just that news shapes justice. It could hinder it. Hm.
if i can’t see it or hear it… it’s not news
It’s a strange concept. Let me explain:
News should remain the same, despite the medium. After all, there are certain characteristics that can make a story fit for print, or good for air, or worth sharing on Facebook/Twitter (because hey, admit it. Isn’t that how you get at least 50% of your news nowadays?).
The problem is, sometimes certain news isn’t fit for your medium. This statement is even hard for me to accept, and I’m in the biz! I don’t like to believe that because of the way I deliver the news, a story can or should not be told. Nonetheless, it has happened and is happening to me now.
I won’t release the details of the story yet because I still haven’t gotten all the details. At the same time, I can’t release it even if I did, because no one will talk to me on camera. I’ve gotten almost all the information I need through phone conversations and emails… but when it comes to sitting down with a microphone, everyone has straight-out refused. The majority having done so in a rude manner.
TV relies on attention. Which then means lots of action, emotional soundbites and compelling video. My voice narrating a “he said, she said”? Not bound for success. As a result, not bound for air as well. Some news directors will agree to such a piece; but even I think I would agree with those who would turn it down.
For now, I’m still fighting to try to get people to talk to me with a camera present. Isn’t it suspect that they refuse to talk to me too? Ah. That’s another story.
Enough from me. Let’s make this interactive 
self-promotion
My co-worker Ryan asked me if I liked to anchor our noon broadcast. I told him I loved it. Seemingly contradictory, I know, because I requested to be taken off the 12 PM show so that I could go out and report.
The thing I love about anchoring the noon is that it’s wholly yours. So when I’m at the desk, this 27-minute show is my baby. I wrote it, I produced it, I know where each and every thing is, how long it’s supposed to be, and just about how much time I should have left by the time I hit the E block.
So I was on a high today. Got to pursue a few phone interviews, called to get results in from local elections, picked the soundbites I wanted, even ended up having a live phoner in the A block (that fell into place about 15 minutes out from the show, so I’m sure my director wanted to kill me). I got ready with make-up in five minutes and I was back on the desk, sending notes to my 6 PM producer and director.
And below are just a few snippets of how it all fell into place.
… Yes, I realize this is self-promotion, but when you are proud of your product, it’s not as shameful to show small clips, when it won’t even give a glimpse of the entire pictures. I’m not forcing you to watch the entire show. ^_^
For You:
Del. Doctor’s License Suspended
